Google is trying to take on Apple TV with ChromeCast, a $35 HDMI dongle that allows customers to stream videos and music to their TV. This device turns every TV into a Smart TV, but there is no walled garden from which to control it from .You can control it from iOS, Android, and the Web.
The Chromecast doesn't mirror your screen, but allows you to send TV shows, movies, and music to your TV via the cloud. You can queue up media to play after the current media is done playing. Also, you can have the Chromecast mirror your Chrome tabs and windows as well as using apps. Netflix is the only current player, but Google has released the Google Cast SDK, to allow more apps in. iOS, Android, and Chrome developers are allowed in on this, there is no walled garden to limit Chromecast development to just one platform.
With the purchase of Chromecast, you will also get three months free of Netflix.
Chromecast is available on Google Play, Amazon, and Best Buy today, but more retailers and international expansion will be coming son.
